Sindh Government has launched a comprehensive operation to clear illegal encroachments from the 38-kilometer-long Lyari Riverbed. The operation, spearheaded by Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi, began on May 16, and successfully cleared 80 percent of the targeted encroachments despite facing significant resistance. Over a three-day period, the Office of the Assistant Commissioner, SITE, District Keamari, in collaboration with Sindh Police and Rangers, executed the anti-encroachment drive.
The initial phase focused on the Pak Colony Old Golimar area, where illegal parking facilities, sand-crushing plants, water plants, and makeshift housing structures had proliferated.
The operation led to the arrest of a head of the illegal parking mafia and the clearance of 75 percent of these encroachments. Resistance peaked with a mob of 300-400 people attempted to thwart the efforts, but government officials managed to negotiate successfully, allowing the drive to proceed. Subsequent days saw further clearance efforts near the Pak Colony Bridge area, with the removal of numerous makeshift and permanent structures, including 15 houses, 2 warehouses, 9 animal barns, and 3 permanent houses.
By the final phase, a remarkable 98 percent clearance rate was achieved. Commissioner Naqvi expressed gratitude to the Sindh Police, District Encroachment Force, KMC, and Rangers for their vital roles in the operation’s success.
However, the drive highlighted ongoing issues, particularly the resistance from local residents displaced by the Lyari Expressway project who have yet to receive fair compensation. Field teams recommended improving the resettlement and compensation process to prevent future resistance.
